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The momentous statement from Buckingham Palace removing Prince Andrew of his royal status is regarded as an "acknowledgment" that something happened to the late Virginia Giuffre, her family have expressed.

Through its statement on the specified day, the royal establishment indicated that the Duke of York – as he is now known – will additionally leave his mansion in Windsor, Royal Lodge, as his connections to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein continue to cause public debate.

The statement ended with: “Their majesties wish to make clear that their considerations and deepest empathy are and will continue to be with the affected individuals and survivors of any and all forms of mistreatment.”

Family Reaction: Recognition and Justice

Asked whether this implied that the monarch believes Virginia rather than Andrew, her brother Sky Roberts remarked: “Without a doubt, in my view that his words convey distinctly in that statement when he says he’s with those affected out there.

“It’s an acknowledgment that events took place, something has happened. There has been a change,” he noted.

A family member, Amanda Roberts, commented: “To put that acknowledgment out for victims is significant. We haven’t seen that from other parties, and to acknowledge that there are survivors in this case is an acknowledgment that wrongdoing took place.

“It is the initial step for that resolution for survivors. Primarily the admission that events unfolded here. There was real trauma that happened to these adolescent females.”

In a book published after her death, Giuffre – who died recently – repeated allegations that, in her youth, she had sex with Mountbatten Windsor on three separate occasions. He has always denied any wrongdoing. He resolved a civil case with Giuffre for a estimated £12m without accepting of responsibility.

She described the statement by the palace as a “triumph” and “justification on behalf of our sister”.

“We are extremely proud of her, but then the sadness hits because you wish she was here to share this moment alongside her – a time that she has been anticipating, for a considerable period,” she added.

Support Organizations Respond: Powerful Message for Survivors

Gender equality advocates and support organizations likewise welcomed the move by the monarchy, with several saying it conveyed an important message to those affected of abuse.

Gemma Sherrington, chief executive of Refuge, stated it was “highly impactful to see victims acknowledged so explicitly in a statement from the royal household”, noting that it sent a message that “victims are important, that their ordeals are trusted, and that they deserve to be at the heart of national conversations about abuse”.

Another advocate, the director at the Fawcett Society, commented “this is a welcome recognition that the true sufferers here are not discomfited officials or disgraced princes, but the females who were abused by entitled, misogynistic men.”

However, she continued: “Removing a title, or moving house can not be considered true accountability or adequate consequence. Indeed, a courageous individual, Virginia Giuffre, has passed away. It was a devastating event, and a reminder of the profound impact sexual assault has on female victims.”

Honoring Virginia Giuffre: A "Resolute Fighter"

Portraying Giuffre’s personality and fight for justice, Sky said she was a “strong warrior” who could additionally be cheeky and goofy.

“Here we have an ordinary girl from an ordinary family that achieved something extraordinary and in my opinion that is something the global community ought to be admiring of.

“Giuffre was a tenacious fighter who refused to back down and spoke out courageously and now we are finally getting that recognition that she truly was a world hero.”

Royal officials offered no response.